Jeremiah describes invaders chasing Israel across the mountains of the land, pursuing them as swiftly as eagles (Lamentations 4:19). They can’t keep going; out of breath, they are ambushed and taken into exile.
Why are they breathless and weak? Because “the breath of our nostrils . . . was captured in their pits.” Who or what might that be? The parallel phrase in verse 20a tells us: “the breath (Heb., ruach ) of our nostrils, Yahweh’s anointed.” That is, Judah’s king is Judah’s breath. Judah’s king is a new Adam sharing breath with Judah. Judah’s king encourages warriors who have exhausted their strength, fills the noses of Judah’s warriors with battle-rage, gives life and breath to His people.
All of Judah’s kings, every anointed one, communicated ruach to the people. That’s what kings do. And that’s what Jesus does.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Undercover in Canada’s Lawless Abortion Industry
On November 27, 2023, thirty-six-year-old Alissa Golob walked through the doors of the Cabbagetown Women’s Clinic in…
The Return of Blasphemy Laws?
Over my many years in the U.S., I have resisted the temptation to buy into the catastrophism…
The Fourth Watch
The following is an excerpt from the first edition of The Fourth Watch, a newsletter about Catholicism from First…
